How to Find Resources

Accessing the National RTAP Resource Library

Go to nationalrtap.org/Resource-Center/Resource-Library. You can also access the Resource Library from the National RTAP homepage, nationalrtap.org by clicking the Resource Library in the “What are You Looking for” section, or the Resource Library button under Resource Center in the menu.

Browsing Resources

To browse library resources by subject, click the Browse by Subject button. Select a subject from that list by checking off box(es) to retrieve results about a specific topic. You can further limit by subcategories for some subjects. If a subject has a triangle next to it, click the triangle to display the subcategories.

To browse library resources by format (training modules, technical briefs, presentations, etc.), click the Browse by Format button. A screen will pop up with available formats. Select a format from that list by checking the box to the left of it to retrieve results published in that format.



Topic Guides

We have created various topic guides with links to selected key resources. Click on any of the topic guides to access resources produced by National RTAP and other organizations on frequently requested topics, such as ADA and alternative fuels. 

Featured Resources

Each month, National RTAP features some of our newest resources. The Featured Resource boxes include links to the resources.



We also permanently feature four of our stand-alone resources: Transportation Technical Assistance Coordination Library (TACL), Rural iNTD (Integrated National Transit Database), National RTAP eLearning Portal, and Directory of Trainers. Click on the buttons to access these resources.

Keyword Search

To perform a simple keyword search, type a search term or short phrase into the Keyword Search box. The Keyword Search box searches words in the resource title and abstract, as well as tags assigned to each resource. A keyword search will automatically search simple plurals of terms (for example, if you enter service, the results will also display documents containing the word services).



Search Tip: If you know the title of a resource, enter the smallest part of the name that makes it unique (example: for Used Oil Recycling: Getting Extra Mileage Out of Your Motor Oil, enter oil or motor).

Advanced Search

To perform an advanced search, click on the Advanced Search button. On the Advanced Search screen, you are able to search by different ways, such as Title/Keywords, Formats, Organizations, and Publication Date. You can also search for words only in the abstract using the Abstract search button. Abstracts have been created by the resource publishers. Searching by abstract may be beneficial if you are trying to search for resources created for a specific conference, project, etc.



You can combine different search buttons to refine your search. For example, if you are looking for presentations on grants, search for the keyword grant and also search by the Presentation format.

Additional Advanced Search Buttons and Filters

The Back Button and Clear Button on the Advance Search results page take you to a list of all library resources.

The Library Home button on the top left of the search results page takes you back to the Library entry page.

Check eLearning to filter by National RTAP-created eLearning modules (online training from our Learning Management System - LMS) only.

Check Hard Copy to filter by print format resources that can be ordered and shipped.

After you receive your results, you can sort results by Date Published or Title. This is helpful for large groups of results. The default search sorts by relevance.

If your search results in a large set of resources, you may still want to add additional filters. You can check topics or formats. If the filter results in no hits, use the back button to return to your original search.

If there is a triangle to the left of the topic, you may click it to expand it to searchable subtopics. 

Click on All Library Resources for a list of every resource in the Resource Library.

Once you have selected a resource, click on Related Items to view resources find access resources that are about a similar topic.

Favorites

If there are items you would like to save and return to, click the Green Star button in the group of four buttons to the right of it. That will save it to your Favorites. Whenever you are logged into the Resource Library, you can access your favorites by clicking on the View Favorites Button.



Note: you will need to create a free Resource Share account to use this feature. Please continue reading to learn more about creating a Resource Share Account in the Ordering Resources section.

Downloading Resources

The group of four icons also has a button with an arrow at the top left. If it is green, the resource is available for download. If the button is gray, the resource is not available for download. To download the resource, 1. Click the Green Download Icon, 2. Click the Download Button, and 3. Verify your download request by checking off that you are not a robot in the reCaptchaBox, and the resource in PDF format will download automatically to your computer



Tip: If you are unsure whether you want to order a resource in hard copy or not, you can download the resource in order to see whether it is a good fit for you before ordering.

Resources with Links

The group of four icons has an icon that looks like a chain link on the bottom left. To share or bookmark a resource, click on the Green Link Icon to receive a URL for the resource. If there is no link provided, the icon will be gray instead of green. For links provided, a pop-up box for the resource will appear. Select the link to darken it, then press Ctrl + C to copy this to your clipboard. You can then paste the link in an email, web page, or document. You can also click okay in the pop-up box and it will go to a new page with a Go To Link button to open the link.



Each item in the catalog also contains a Permanent URL, a link unique to that item in Resource Share. The Permanent URL displays under the item description.

Ordering Resources

To order one or more hard copies of a resource (including books, CD-ROMs and DVDs), click the green cart icon to add it to your cart. If the icon is gray, it is not available for shipment. You can add as many items to your cart as you would like. Your cart will not disappear if you search for other resources, or if you leave the page. The first time you click on the cart icon, you will be prompted to log in or create an account if you do not already have one.



A maximum of 100 printed copies of most National RTAP-produced item can be ordered at one time. If you require larger quantities of an item, you may download learner’s guides, instructor’s guides, workbooks, technical briefs and other documents that you need from the Resource Library and photocopy them yourself. Note: If resources were not published by National RTAP, you must comply with any applicable reproduction policies and copyright laws.

If you have completed adding resources to your cart, click View Cart in the top left-hand corner of your page. You will come to a screen with resources you have added. You can adjust the quantity you wish you order, or remove resources completely from your cart if you decide you no longer need them. You can also click the Back to Search or the Previous Step button if you want to continue ordering resources. You will still be logged into your account and will not lose items you already placed in your cart. When you are completely done ordering, click the Confirm Order button to check out. You will receive an email acknowledgement of your order. 

If you have never ordered resources before, you can create a free Resource Share Account from the Resource Share Account button at the bottom right of the Resource Library landing page. 

Editing Orders

If you have placed an order with an error and have already logged off, you can email us at resources@nationalrtap.org with your changes. When you receive your order receipt, it will show what materials you’ve ordered, and you can let us know if you would like to cancel the order or change quantities ordered. Our staff will update your order, and you will receive email confirmation of the edited order. If you would like to order something new, please start a new order through Resource Share. 

If You Need Assistance

We have included a link to our Resource Library Catalog (an annotated list of all resources produced by National RTAP) and Resource Library Mission and Policy Statement on the Resource Library landing page. If you cannot find what that you need, please call us at 888-589-6821, live chat with us via the website, or email info@nationalrtap.org. We look forward to assisting you!